Types of 3D Scanners: A Complete Guide to 3D Scanning Technologies

As the adoption of 3D scanning continues to grow across industries, understanding the various types of 3D scanners is essential for professionals, hobbyists, and manufacturers alike. From industrial applications to creative design, each 3D scanner type offers distinct features, technologies, and use cases. In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the main types of 3D scanners, how they work, and their advantages, helping you choose the right scanner for your specific needs.

 

What Is a 3D Scanner?

A 3D scanner is a device that captures the shape and geometry of physical objects, creating digital 3D models. It works by collecting data points from an object’s surface using technologies such as laser triangulation, structured light, or photogrammetry. These points are then processed into a 3D mesh or point cloud, which can be edited, printed, or used in simulations.

 

Why Understanding 3D Scanner Types Matters

With various 3D scanning technologies available today, it’s important to understand which scanner type fits your application. Whether you’re reverse engineering mechanical parts, creating digital assets for gaming, or scanning historical artifacts, choosing the right type of 3D scanner ensures accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

 

Main Types of 3D Scanners

There are several primary types of 3D scanners categorized by their scanning technology and use case. Below are the most common ones:

1. Laser Triangulation 3D Scanners

Laser triangulation scanners use a laser line or point projected onto the object’s surface. A camera captures the reflection, and triangulation math calculates the precise position of each point.

Features:

• High accuracy and resolution
• Ideal for small to medium-sized objects
• Requires stable lighting and object stillness

Use Cases:

• Quality control
• Dentistry
• Reverse engineering

Example Products:

• Creaform HandySCAN
• ScanTech PRINCE series

 

2. Structured Light 3D Scanners

Structured light scanners project a pattern of light (grids or stripes) onto the object. Deformations in the pattern are captured by cameras and processed into 3D data.

Features:

• Very high precision
• Fast data capture
• Sensitive to ambient lighting

Use Cases:

• Industrial inspection
• Face scanning
• Cultural heritage preservation

Example Products:

• Artec Eva
• Shining 3D EinScan HX

 

3. Photogrammetry-Based 3D Scanners

Photogrammetry uses multiple 2D photographs taken from different angles. Software then reconstructs the 3D shape by analyzing overlapping points.

Features:

• Inexpensive (can use DSLR or smartphone)
• Suitable for large objects or terrains
• Processing is time-consuming

Use Cases:

• Architecture
• Archaeology
• Video game asset creation

Example Software:

• Agisoft Metashape
• RealityCapture

 

4. Laser Pulse (Time-of-Flight) 3D Scanners

Laser pulse scanners measure the time it takes for a laser to hit an object and reflect back to the sensor. This "time-of-flight" determines the object’s shape and distance.

Features:

• Excellent for scanning large areas
• Lower resolution compared to triangulation
• Often used in combination with GPS

Use Cases:

• Construction
• Land surveying
• Autonomous vehicles

Example Products:

• Leica BLK360
• FARO Focus

 

5. Contact 3D Scanners

Unlike non-contact scanners, contact 3D scanners physically touch the object with a probe, recording each point as it moves across the surface.

Features:

• Extremely accurate for hard surfaces
• Slower than optical scanners
• Not suitable for soft or delicate materials

Use Cases:

• Tool calibration
• Dimensional inspection
• High-precision engineering

Example Devices:

• CMMs (Coordinate Measuring Machines)
• Romer arms

 

6. Handheld 3D Scanners

Handheld 3D scanners can be laser-based or structured light and are designed for portability and ease of use.

Features:

• Lightweight and mobile
• Moderate to high accuracy
• Ideal for scanning in the field

Use Cases:

• Medical applications (e.g., prosthetics)
• Art and sculpture scanning
• Forensics

Popular Models:

• Artec Leo
• Revopoint POP 3

 

7. Desktop 3D Scanners

Desktop scanners are compact and suited for small object scanning. They often use laser or structured light and include a turntable for 360-degree capture.

Features:

• High-resolution scans
• Limited to small objects
• Easy to use in controlled environments

Use Cases:

• Jewelry design
• Small parts inspection
• Education

Examples:

• Shining 3D EinScan-SE
• Matter and Form V2

 

8. Industrial types of 3D Scanners

These scanners combine high accuracy with durability and speed, often integrated into factory settings for automation.

Features:

• Designed for high-throughput
• Integrates with robotic arms and conveyors
• Rugged design for harsh environments

Use Cases:

• Automotive inspection
• Aerospace part validation
• Manufacturing automation

Top Models:

• GOM ATOS
• Creaform MetraSCAN 3D

 

9. Mobile 3D Scanners (Smartphone Scanning)

Modern smartphones, especially iPhones with LiDAR, offer basic 3D scanning capabilities through apps.

Features:

• Low-cost and accessible
• Limited precision
• Good for simple, non-industrial use

Use Cases:

• AR/VR
• Interior design
• Social media content

Popular Apps:

• Polycam
• 3D Scanner App

 

10. Computed Tomography (CT) 3D Scanners

CT scanning involves taking hundreds of X-ray images from multiple angles, reconstructing internal and external geometry into a 3D model.

Features:

• Captures internal structures
• Non-destructive testing
• High-end and expensive

Use Cases:

• Medical diagnostics
• Aerospace defect detection
• Complex engineering analysis

 

Comparison Table: Types of 3D Scanners

Scanner Type	Accuracy	Object Size	Portability	Cost Range
Laser Triangulation	High	Small–Medium	Moderate	$$$$
Structured Light	Very High	Small–Large	Moderate	$$$
Photogrammetry	Medium	Medium–Large	High	$
Time-of-Flight	Medium	Large–Very Large	Moderate	$$$$
Contact Scanners	Very High	Small	Low	$$$$
Handheld Scanners	High	Small–Medium	Very High	$$–$$$$
Desktop Scanners	High	Small	Low	$$
Industrial Scanners	Very High	Medium–Large	Low	$$$$$
Mobile/Smartphone	Low–Medium	Small–Medium	Very High	Free–$
CT Scanners	Extremely High	Small–Medium (Internal)	Low	$$$$$

 

Choosing the Right 3D Scanner

Selecting the best type of 3D scanner depends on your specific requirements:

• For industrial precision: Choose structured light or laser triangulation.
• For large environments: Use laser pulse or photogrammetry.
• For mobile use: Opt for handheld or smartphone scanners.
• For internal structures: CT scanning is the best choice.
• For hobbyists and makers: Desktop or mobile scanning solutions are ideal.

 

Future of 3D Scanning Technologies

With the rise of AI, cloud computing, and edge processing, 3D scanners are becoming more intelligent and accessible. Emerging technologies like AI-assisted modeling, real-time mesh editing, and cloud-based storage are pushing 3D scanning into mainstream use across medicine, entertainment, construction, and education.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of 3D scanners is crucial for leveraging the full power of 3D technology. From precise industrial inspections to creative 3D modeling, there's a 3D scanner for every purpose. By choosing the right scanner based on your goals, budget, and environment, you can significantly improve your workflow, reduce errors, and unlock new possibilities in digital design and manufacturing.